Start your trip at Pir Sohawa with a breathtaking view of the Margalla Hills. Nestled on top of the hills, this tourist destination offers an opportunity for a quick hike, splendid views and a chance to relax and chill. For adrenaline junkies, there are opportunities for rock climbing, paragliding and zip-lining too.
Explore Rawal Lake by boat or by bike, with views of hillside houses and lush greenery all around. Afterwards, tackle the popular Trail 3 hike, which takes you up the Margalla Hills to Daman-e-Koh. The trail offers stunning views of Islamabad from the top!
Experience nature up close and personal at the Margalla Hills National Park. There are numerous trails to suit all levels of hikers, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, wild boars and jackals. Make sure to bring a camera!
Visit Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 16th century. The historic fort is located on a hill overlooking the Pothohar Plateau and is adorned with exquisite Mughal-style architecture. The fort was built as a garrison to protect the local population from the Mughals.
Explore the ancient Taxila Museum, home to archaeological artifacts and Buddhist art, dating back to the Gandhara period between the 1st millennium BC and the 5th millennium AD. The museum houses the works of the famous Gandhara artists and is considered one of the most significant museums in Pakistan.
Spend a day at Ayub National Park, enjoying the panoramic view of Margalla Hills and marveling at the rare botanical species located within the park. The park is ideal for a relaxing picnic or can offer an assortment of adventure activities such as zip lining, cycling and horse riding.
Sign up for the adventurous journey of waterfall abseiling and rappelling at Neela Sandh, for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Experience rappelling through cascading waterfalls, surrounded by surreal landscape and lush greenery.
Visit Pir Chinasi which is a famous mountain peak and pilgrimage site, located in Muzaffarabad. The magnificent site is surrounded by coniferous forests and has a serene atmosphere, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Trekking to the top provides a panoramic view of the city and valley below.
Take a scenic drive to Sharda, a valley located in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is known for its trout fishing and the grand and ancient Sharda Peeth, a Hindu temple ruins which lies along the banks of the Neelum River.
Explore the untouched beauty of the Deosai National Park, part of the Tibetan Plateau which lies in between the Karakoram and the western Himalayan ranges. The park is famous for its stunning landscapes, meadows, and lakes, along with its rare fauna including the Himalayan brown bear.
Take a jeep ride to the basecamp of Fairy Meadows, followed by an hour-long trek to the beautiful field of flowers. The meadows offer a remarkable view of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest mountain. Spend the night at one of the small cabins or pitch a tent and enjoy the sunrise!
Experience one of the highest mountain passes in the world, the Karakoram Highway. The road extends from Gilgit to China, passing through many remarkable landscapes, mountain lakes and small bordering towns. There are large stretches of the road that have been carved into the mountain side with stunning views over the river below.
Visit the highest border crossing in the world, Khunjerab Pass. It is an important trade link between Pakistan and China and offers spectacular vistas of the Karakoram Mountains. Enjoy a quick cup of tea at the world-famous Khunjerab Top Hotel and watch as the border guards switch shifts.
Spend the day in Gojal Valley, one of the most scenic and remote regions in Pakistan, located in the northernmost part of Gilgit-Baltistan. The valley is famous for stunning views of the Shishkat and Passu peaks, the Passu Glacier and its traditional Wakhi inhabitants.
End the trip with a visit to the 50-story Islamabad Monument, an iconic structure which symbolizes the four provinces of Pakistan. Then head to Rawalpindi for a food tour, tasting the flavors of traditional Pakistani food while exploring the old city’s narrow streets and bustling bazaars.
For most places, a private car would be the best mode of transportation, ensuring ease of access, flexibility and saving precious time. Alternatively, there are numerous bus services available for some destinations, including public transport.
The estimated cost of private transportation is around Rs. 20,000 for the entire trip. Bus transportation is cheaper, but less reliable and comfortable.
If you have less time, consider cutting short the trip to Khunjerab Pass or Gojal Valley as both require considerable travel time. Alternatively, if you have more time, add a stop at Hunza Valley, which is known for its scenic beauty.
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is located approximately 12 miles south of Islamabad city center. The airport is a hub for many international and domestic airlines and offers excellent connections throughout the country.